Building dynamic churches
by Bishop Dwight Robinson
Biblical principles are the cornerstone and essence of a healthy church, providing the
divine framework upon which God's church is built and operates. Their significance cannot
be overstated. They are the guiding light that leads us on a journey of continuous
improvement, inspiring and motivating us all. This growth is not just in numbers but also in
the pastor's leadership, his vision, the quality of systems, and the ministries in your church.
It's a clarion call, a commitment to continuous improvement, a journey that enlightens and
inspires us all.
In my previous secular role, before answering the call to full-time ministry, I worked as a
Cyber Security Analyst for significant banks in the United States. Keeping up with the ever-
evolving cyber threats required constant vigilance through following security blogs,
attending seminars, utilizing various security tools, and undergoing “professional
development” training. This was essential not only for learning new threat mitigation
methodologies but also for protecting the financial institution's assets and ensuring the
safety of its customers. Now, I'm excited to explore the parallels between these experiences
and the biblical principles that contribute to the vitality of a healthy church.
To ensure the effectiveness of the contemporary church, pastors, leaders, and emerging
leaders must all be engaged in "leadership development" training, consistently immersing
themselves in the inherent and infallible word of God and maintaining a consistent prayer
life. The word of God is unchangeable, but our methodologies must evolve to ensure that
our theological praxis complies with that of the kingdom of God. Therefore, implementing
and utilizing biblical principles are essential to ensure that the culture of the "ecclesia” is
Tov.
Vision is the cornerstone of a thriving and impactful church. When the vision is clear and
compelling, it offers guidance, purpose, and inspiration for the church community as they
pursue their mission to influence the world for Christ. As written in Habakkuk chapter 2,
"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, so that a herald may run with it." The vision of
the ministry should align with God’s purposes and values, as revealed in the Bible. By the
word of God, the vision should also prioritize developing disciples and establishing
churches to further the kingdom of God.
The leader's role is pivotal in inspiring and educating about the vision, praying for its
fulfillment, and engaging the local church in praying for the vision to bring about new life.
Your church's vision is essential and the focal point you pursue wholeheartedly, just like a
runner focused on the finish line. This is the image that Paul had in mind in Philippians
3:13-14: "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting
those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
The mission and purpose of the early church are outlined in the Bible, which includes
spreading the gospel, making disciples, caring for the needy, and building up believers.
These purposes are still relevant to the contemporary church. The church's central purpose
is to fulfill the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus instructed his
disciples to "go," make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, and teach them to obey everything He commands. This mandate is still relevant and
applicable to the 21st-century church, especially in planting churches and expanding the
kingdom of God on earth. One of the primary missions of the church is to spread the gospel
— the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This involves sharing the
message of God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and redemption with others.
Prayer is the Church of God of Prophecy’s number one of five Core Values. It is not an error
why it is listed as number one. Prayer beloved is the center column of reliance that holds
our foundation of faith in place, making it unmovable in God. It is considered a powerful
principle for individuals and God’s church. Jesus said, "It is written, my house is a house of
prayer" (Matthew 21:13). He desires for prayer to permeate the atmosphere of “His house.”
Prayer is our way of communicating with God and allowing the Christian man to have an
intimate pneumatology experience with the Holy Spirit. It will enable believers to express
their thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires to God and to listen for his guidance, comfort,
and wisdom in return. Prayer is a source of strength for the pastor and the church. Luke
18:1 says, "Men ought always to pray and not faint."
A consistent prayer life provides comfort in times of trouble, peace amid chaos, and hope in
moments of despair. When we pray, we cultivate a deep relationship with God, fostering
intimacy, growth, trust, and connection with God. Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call me, and I will
answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." There is no
ambivalence about how pertinent Biblical principles are for the church of God today. They
are essential doctrines relevant to safeguarding against the kingdom of darkness from
today's church.
​